The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has announced the deployment of senior police officers across the country as part of renewed efforts to rescue pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State.
The police chief also ordered a nationwide enforcement operation targeting vehicles operating without registration plates or with concealed, altered or defaced number plates.
Disu disclosed the measures during a meeting with senior police officers in Abuja on Tuesday, where security chiefs reviewed the ongoing efforts to secure the release of the victims kidnapped in Oyo State.
Police Intensify Rescue Operations
According to the IGP, the Nigeria Police Force is working closely with other security agencies to ensure the safe return of all those still being held captive.
“The families and the citizens of Nigeria can rely on the full operational capacity of the force, in collaboration with other security agencies, dedicated to ensuring their safe return,” Disu said.
“We are making headway and will not cease our efforts until all hostages are safely home.”
The Oyo school abduction has sparked nationwide concern, with growing calls for authorities to step up rescue efforts and improve security around schools.
DIGs To Be Deployed Across Nigeria
Disu revealed that Deputy Inspectors-General of Police would be deployed to Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones beginning June 15.
According to him, the move is aimed at strengthening supervision, improving operational coordination and ensuring greater accountability within the Force.
Nigeria has continued to battle security challenges ranging from kidnappings and banditry to insurgency and communal violence, with attacks on schools becoming one of the country’s most troubling security concerns.
Vehicles With Hidden Number Plates Targeted
The police chief also directed commanders nationwide to immediately begin enforcement against vehicles operating without proper registration.
He warned that vehicles with concealed, modified or tampered number plates would be impounded and subjected to legal processes.
“Any vehicle discovered lacking number plates, or possessing deliberately obscured, concealed, or tampered registration numbers, will be halted, impounded, and subjected to the relevant legal proceedings,” he said.
According to Disu, criminals often use unregistered vehicles to evade detection during kidnapping and other criminal operations.
He stressed that the enforcement exercise would be carried out without favouritism.
Handshake Patrols Introduced
To strengthen intelligence gathering and prevent criminals from exploiting jurisdictional gaps, the IGP directed Commissioners of Police in neighbouring states to commence what he described as “handshake patrols” along major entry and exit routes.
The initiative is expected to improve collaboration between commands and facilitate faster responses to security threats.
Recent Security Gains
Highlighting recent achievements by the Force, Disu said several suspected terrorists, kidnappers, murder suspects and armed robbery suspects had been arrested since the last police conference held in March.
He disclosed that 88 kidnapping victims had been rescued, while firearms, ammunition and stolen vehicles were recovered during various operations.
The IGP also cited a recent operation in the Federal Capital Territory, where police operatives arrested five suspected kidnappers before they could carry out planned attacks in Abuja.
As the search for the abducted Oyo pupils and teachers continues, the police leadership has assured Nigerians that efforts to bring the victims home safely remain a top priority.
